The city walls surrounding the Vila-Adentro (Old Town) – Faro’s medieval core – were built in the 9th century AD, probably on the pre-existing late-roman wall, by order of Ben Bekr, the governor of Ossonoba (Faro’s ancient name).
In 1596 as the result of the English troops’ invasion, led by the Earl of Essex, the walls were badly damaged being afterwards rebuilt.
From 1640 to 1664, in order to increase efficiency and gain a defensive strategy, after the 1640’s Restoration War, some towers battlements were demolished to accommodate the canons; the curtain walls were also levelled in order to prepare for a possible Spanish invasion.
The 1755’s earthquake also damaged the walls, destroyed the towers and bulwarks.
The walls lost their military importance in the late 18th century.